Tripura TET Teachers’ Welfare Association has renewed its demand to abolish the five-year fixed pay policy, calling it unjust and unique to the state. Teachers also urged restoration of the old pension scheme, full DA benefits, and removal of grade pay disparities. The association seeks urgent intervention from Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
The long-standing demand of Tripura’s TET-qualified teachers resurfaced strongly on Friday as the Tripura TET Teachers’ Welfare Association renewed its call for abolishing the controversial five-year fixed pay system in the state. Addressing a press conference at the Agartala Press Club on Saturday, the association leaders described the system as both “injustice” and “inhuman,” highlighting that such a practice is unique to Tripura and does not exist in any other state in India.
Association Secretary Ajay Paul said that since its inception in 2017, the organization has been consistently voicing its opposition to the policy, which compels qualified teachers recruited through Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET-I and TET-II) to work on fixed pay for the first five years of their service. According to him, the arrangement not only demoralizes teachers but also undermines the spirit of equality in the education system.
Fixed Pay vs. Full-Time Appointment Debate
The representatives of the association drew sharp comparisons between recruitment processes across government jobs. They pointed out that candidates recruited through the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC) exams are offered full-time appointments immediately after selection. In contrast, TET-qualified teachers—despite clearing national-level eligibility tests—are forced to work under a fixed pay structure, which keeps their salaries and benefits significantly lower for the initial five years.
“This is a blatant example of discrimination. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our children, yet the state government has failed to acknowledge their contribution fairly,” Ajay Paul stated.
Demand for Old Pension Scheme
Apart from the removal of the fixed pay system, the association has also called for the restoration of the old pension scheme for all government employees in Tripura. According to the members, the introduction of the new pension policy has left many employees insecure about their post-retirement future. The association emphasized that reverting to the old pension system would bring financial stability and security to thousands of government employees, including teachers.
Concerns Over Dearness Allowance (DA)
Another major issue raised at the press conference was the disparity in the Dearness Allowance (DA) structure of Tripura employees compared to those in other states. The association leaders highlighted that government employees in Tripura currently receive only 33 percent DA, whereas employees in most other states are entitled to around 55 percent DA.
“This gap not only affects our present income but also impacts our savings, pensions, and overall financial well-being. We appeal to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to take urgent steps to bridge this disparity and ensure full DA benefits for teachers and employees in the state,” said Ajay Paul.
Grade Pay Disparity Between Teachers
The association further raised the issue of unequal grade pay among different categories of teachers in the state. They argued that the existing gap between Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) and Under Graduate Teachers (UGT) creates unnecessary division and dissatisfaction within the teaching community.
“We are not against differentiation based on qualifications, but the current system is heavily imbalanced and unfair. Teachers across all categories deserve dignity, recognition, and proper pay for their work,” said association members.
Call for Government Response
The press conference, attended by association President Rajesh Datta, Organizing Secretary Surajit Debnath, and other senior members, ended with a strong appeal to the state government. The leaders urged Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to personally intervene and address the demands of TET-qualified teachers, particularly by ending the fixed pay system and introducing measures for parity in DA and grade pay.
| Also Read: Tripura CM Saha witnesses Indian Army and Assam Rifles Joint Drone |
The association also hinted at intensifying its agitation if the state government continues to remain silent on these long-pending demands. “We have been patient for years, but the patience of thousands of teachers across Tripura is running out. We hope the government will act before the situation escalates,” warned the representatives.
The fresh call from TET teachers adds to the mounting pressure on the state government, which is already facing criticism from various employees’ unions over pay parity, pension, and benefits. The coming months are likely to see whether the government steps up with reforms or whether Tripura’s teaching community intensifies its protests further.
